How I'm Planning Q3: 4 Mistakes I'm Avoiding to Set Up a Strong Second Half of the Year
I don't know about you, but the middle of the year always sneaks up on me. This year is no different as we are preparing for my oldest to start kindergarten this year, so this summer just feels a little sweeter.
Before jumping into the coming school year and all the adventures to come alongside the start of a new quarter, I like to spend some time reflecting on what's worked, processes I could give my attention to, and where I want to focus my energy for the next few months. It's less about creating the perfect plan and more about being intentional with my time.
As someone who supports small business owners behind the scenes every day, I've noticed a few planning mistakes that come up again and again. Here are four I'm making a conscious effort to avoid as I prepare for Q3.
4 Mistakes I’m Avoiding To Help Create a Successful Second Half of the Year
Setting goals that aren't SMART
It's easy to write down something like "grow my business" or "be more consistent on social media." But those goals are hard to measure and even harder to achieve.
Instead, try using the well practiced SMART framework:
Specific: What exactly are you trying to accomplish?
Measurable: How will you know you've succeeded?
Achievable: Is it realistic with your current resources?
Relevant: Does it align with your bigger business goals?
Time-bound: When do you want to complete it?
For example, instead of saying, "I want to improve my marketing," you might say, "I will publish one blog post weekly during Q3."
Clear goals make it much easier to know what deserves your attention, and what doesn't.
Trying to do everything myself
One of the biggest lessons I've taken away from Buy Back Your Time is that growth doesn't come from squeezing more into your calendar. It comes from protecting your time and spending it on the work that only you can do.(For more thoughts on Buy Back Your Time be sure to check out my book review here)
If your week is filled with inbox management, scheduling, CRM updates, formatting documents, or chasing down follow-ups, ask yourself:
Is this the highest and best use of my time?
For many business owners, the answer is no.
Delegating recurring administrative tasks doesn't mean giving up control. It means creating more capacity to serve clients, generate revenue, and enjoy the business you've worked so hard to build.
This can relate to your home as well. For me I am big on doing everything around the house and hardly ask for help from my boys. I know this is something to work on but I am the eldest daughter so what can I say!
(If you’re reading this and you know it’s time to get some additional help inside your business, let this be your reminder that I help business owners handle backend details and build systems so that you can focus on the work only YOU can do!)
Planning without realistic timelines
A list of goals without deadlines is just a wish list.
As you map out Q3, try breaking larger projects into smaller milestones.
Progress is much easier to maintain when you know what needs to happen this week instead of trying to tackle an entire quarter at once. Through those smaller milestones assign targeted due dates to help stay on track.
Remember: consistency beats intensity almost every time.
Looking only ahead instead of looking back
Before you make a plan for the next 90 days, spend some time reviewing the last six months.
Ask yourself:
What projects generated the biggest return?
What tasks drained my time without moving the business forward?
What systems worked well?
Where did I repeatedly feel overwhelmed?
One of the core ideas from Buy Back Your Time is to identify the activities you can eliminate, automate, or delegate so you can focus on your highest-value work. Sometimes the best Q3 strategy isn't adding something new, it's removing something that's been slowing you down.
My Biggest Reminder Going Into Q3
One of the biggest things I have to remind myself of is that even though Q3 is the turning point into the last half of the year, it doesn’t mean I have to overhaul my entire business this quarter – and neither do you!
Pick a few SMART goals. Be honest about where your time is going. Focus on the work that moves the needle, and don't be afraid to ask for support when your plate is full.
A thoughtful plan isn't about doing more. It's about creating the space to do what matters most.
And as always if you make it through that reflection and come to the realization you need support I am here to chat and see if I am a good match or help you find that perfect support for your business needs. Click here to book a discovery call and let's chat!